Swiss Steak is a dish made by browning a cut of beef, then braising it in a tomato-based sauce until tender. The spelling of "Swiss" in Swiss Steak is not related to the country of Switzerland. Instead, it is thought to be a corruption of the German word "schweizer," which means "Swiss-style." The phonetic transcription of Swiss Steak is /swɪs steɪk/, indicating that the first sound of "Swiss" is pronounced like "swiss" cheese, and the "e" in "Steak" is pronounced like "say."
Swiss steak is a traditional dish that originated in Switzerland, but has become popular in various regions across the world, particularly in the United States. Swiss steak refers to a cooking technique where a tough cut of beef, typically from the round or chuck, is tenderized and slow-cooked in a flavorful tomato-based sauce until it becomes tender and full of rich flavors.
To prepare Swiss steak, the beef is first lightly pounded with a meat mallet or tenderizer to break down the tough fibers and make it more tender. Then, the meat is typically dredged in flour seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices, such as salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The seasoned beef is then browned in a hot skillet or Dutch oven until it develops a golden crust.
After browning, the beef is transferred to a pot or baking dish, and a sauce consisting of tomatoes, onions, celery, bell peppers, and sometimes carrots, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth is poured over the meat. The dish is then covered and cooked slowly in the oven or on the stovetop until the beef becomes tender and the flavors of the sauce meld together.
The resulting Swiss steak is characterized by its fork-tender meat, rich tomato-based sauce, and flavorful combination of herbs and spices. It is often served with rice, mashed potatoes, or noodles, and can be accompanied by vegetables or a salad. Swiss steak is a comforting, hearty dish that is enjoyed by many for its satisfying flavors and tender texture.
The word "Swiss steak" is derived from the culinary traditions of Switzerland and the cooking technique used to prepare this dish. The term "Swiss" refers to Switzerland, while "steak" originally referred to a piece of meat, commonly beef, that is typically cooked by grilling or frying.
However, Swiss steak as a dish does not have direct roots in Switzerland. Instead, it is an Americanized version of a German dish known as "sweitzer Steak", which translates to "Swiss-style steak". German immigrants who settled in the United States brought their culinary traditions with them, including this particular dish.
The technique of Swiss steak involves tenderizing a tough cut of meat, such as round steak, through pounding or using a meat tenderizer. The meat is then typically coated in flour, browned, and then simmered in a tomato-based sauce with onions and other vegetables until it becomes tender.